Liberals spending priorities for seniors out of whack

May 16, 2018 at 7:58 am

Progressive Conservative Public Accounts Committee member Tim Houston says the McNeil Liberals have their spending priorities for seniors out of whack.

Today at Public Accounts Committee, Seniors Minister Leo Glavine’s department will have to explain why only $1.2 million of its $2.7 million budget actually makes it to seniors. The average salary of an employee in the Department of Seniors is $125,000. This is double the average household income for Nova Scotians over the age of 65.

“When I read the numbers for the Department of Seniors, I was in shock. The Liberals are completely out of touch with our seniors,” says Houston. “Today, I’ll be asking the deputy why the department has $1.1 million in salaries and $350,000 for operating costs while seniors in Nova Scotia are waiting on lists for long-term care beds, sometimes in hospital beds. Who’s really benefiting from the department of seniors?”

Houston wonders if the money in the budget for seniors could be spent on more pressing issues like healthcare.

“I’m worried about the McNeil government’s priorities,” says Houston.” If you’re not addressing the biggest issue facing seniors, what is the point?”